BURBANK, Calif. — James “Jim” Dominic Naples went to the Lord on Monday, Aug. 21, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Jim was born in Laconia, N.H., on Nov. 21, 1941, the son of Harriet (Willette) and James Naples Sr. James attended Laconia High School, graduating in 1959 and valuing the woodwork and machine shop class skills he acquired and used throughout his life. In 1960, he joined the U.S. Army and graduated from NCO Academy in Germany. Following his service, he returned to New Hampshire and bartended in various resorts. He began performing magic shows throughout New York State and the New England area. Pursuing his passion, he moved to California and studied magic at The Chavez School of Magic and Manual Dexterity. He continued performing magic in Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif. He worked for a retired magician and illusionist learning how to build and refurbish professional magic illusions and props. He manufactured toy trains and restored antique automated and full-sized carousel animals. He spent three years building an elaborate scale model miniature carousel. He manufactured new product developments for motion picture and broadcast video equipment. Later in life, he became a “Painter of Dreams,” incorporating his passion of magic and handiwork skills in creating ceiling nightscapes with shooting stars, constellations, even the Milky Way, all invisible by day and appearing at nighttime when the lights went out! He joined the Hollywood Magic Castle early in his career and remained a member for over 40 years, where he maintained his professional skills attending lectures and continuing to learn from other magicians and illusionist masters.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Harriet Naples; and other family members, Alphonse Naples Jr., John and Theresa Naples, Aneillo and Pearl Napolitano, Phyllis Webber, Enrico and Ruth Naples, Ralph and Eleanor Fowler, Mary Naples Gorman, Benjamin Naples and Rick Fowler.

Jim is survived by many friends, coworkers, members of the Magic Castle Family and neighbors from California, especially from Toluca Lake. He is also survived by his many Naples family cousins, who enjoyed his annual visits to Maine, and where he awed us with his amazing skills, gentleness, humility and magic! Jim, may you rest in God’s peace.

James D. Naples


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